Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro

Luckily or unluckily for Vini, the two would still meet at the gym at the end of the day. Of course he didn't hold any grudges against Enzo, after all, he already knew beforehand that his friend was a complete fool. So he made a big effort to get in the way of his exercise session. In Enzo's case, his weekly suffering session.

- And what the hell is that? - Enzo asked, staring at his exercise list

- It goes something like this. - Vini lay down and stretched out his arm. - Hold that position for thirty seconds.

- And you want me to sing the Nazi anthem too?

Vini laughed.

- I knew you were going to say that!

- It's probably the exercise Hitler created during the occupation of Poland. Hey, you fucking Polacks, lay down and do the Nazi exercise!

- Stop complaining and relax, it will be quick.

- That's what the Germans said to the Czechs!

- They said that?

- Sure, but in German.

While Enzo was struggling with his training, he got an encouraging surprise. Ana reappeared again, right beside him. At first she didn't recognize him, which is why she didn't address him. But obviously Enzo thought it was something else, such as...

- Vini, the universe is telling me it's her.

- Oh, God. There we go. Enzo, what are you going to do? And I ask this more worried about the consequences that your stupidities will generate later on.

- I'll talk to her, obviously. Don't you pay attention to the scenes?

- That's not the point, you jackass! It's not polite to approach women in the gym. They just want to come here and make their butts and legs bigger!

- Vini, that's the most strange, empathetic and sensitive thing you've ever said. Do you know what it means?

- You will ignore my advice and chase after her.

- Exactly.

And so he did. Enzo noted that Ana went to the other side of the gym. He went after her to the back strengthening machine, whatever that means.

- Hi - said Enzo.

- Oh, hi. - Ana answered. - You again.

- Yeah. It seems like a coincidence, doesn't it?

- Yes, i believe. - Ana noticed a strange detail. - Are you sure this is the right exercise? I've never seen a man on this machine.

- Keeping the glutes firm. It's always something good.

Yes, Enzo had no idea what he was saying.

- You know, not for anything, but I think I know you from somewhere. - said Ana, unpretentiously.

- Really? - Enzo played dumb. - But I'm certain.

- What do you mean?

- Together forever. Does that mean anything to you?

Ana remained silent. Then she made a surprised expression. Very much surprised.

- No! Enzo?

- It's me.

- Get out of the town! I haven't seen you for...

- 9 years. - Enzo added.

- Yeah, i believe so.

- So, what the hell happened?

- What do you mean?

- What do you mean, "what do you mean"? I waited for you that day, but you went to take a plane with Amelia Earhart.

- It is complicated to explain.

- I don't think so, Ana.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

- It's okay, Enzo. What do you want to know?

- You could start by explaining why you were gone. Oh, but first, you're a woman, right?

Ana didn't understand the sudden change of subject, but answered the obvious anyway.

- That's right.

- And you don't have a dick, right?

- If I do, I don't normally use it.

- Relax. Vini doesn't use his much either. It's kind of a waste. And finally, are you with someone?

- What are you getting at, Enzo?

- Just to make sure that my attempts are not just a complete and utter waste of time. If it's to be silly, let it have some purpose.

Vini would be proud.

- No, Enzo. I'm not dating anyone.

- Good. I mean, what a shame. But I wanted to take you to a very special place.

- Have I been there before?

- Yes. But a long time ago.

Then Vini popped up, interrupting their conversation for a second.

- Hey, do you also hate gym music? - Enzo questioned. - It's all beat, beat, beat! Is this a gym or a nightclub? I mean, there are too many similarities. Sweaty and scantily clad people, bad music everywhere. The only thing missing was the smell of beer and urine on the floor.

- How disgusting, Enzo.

- But he's right. - Vini agreed. - If I wanted to listen to bad music, Youtube is the way to go. But anyway, I'm going to the bathroom.

Vini left the bottle on the sink and went to the urinal. He did what he had to do and washed his face. But as he was leaving, he remembered that he had left the bottle in the bathroom. Oh, what a mistake. When he returned, he noticed that the lights were flashing. He thought it was funny, but as he was leaving he realized that the door was closed. But when he looked back, he found a horrifying creature in the back of the toilet. Black eyes, straight dark hair, she could be a Calvin Klein model if it weren't for the blurred make-up and creepy facial features. The figure didn't approach Vini, just watched him running away at full speed.

- Fuck! Enzo, Enzo! - Vini ran towards it. - You won't believe what just happened.

- What just happened?

- I saw something.

- Was it something beautiful? Like a Ferrari?

- Like a what? No! A woman!

- Oh, my God, that's horrible! Women are so scary! Especially short ones.

- No, you moron!

- Wait, was she in the male restroom? I mean, nowadays you never know, although women's bathrooms are not very inclusive for men. Maybe she has what they call an identity problem.

- Do you want to listen to me, you stupid man? It was a... Spirit. A ghost! Like in that Lake Mungo movie.

- Holy shit, Vini. Don't even remind me that shit! Including never stepping foot in that country because of that scene. But I don't think I could anyway. They are kind of deporting people now.

- I don't know, Enzo. I need a glass of water.

- You got it!

Ana ran to the water fountain and brought a small glass of water to Vini, who still looked very frightened by what he saw.

- Haven't you seen any scary figures before? In the previous book, right?

- I don't remember. It was a horror, like Germany. I went to the psychologist because of that shit.

- In that particular case, it was probably Luana's spirit trying to tell us something. But what would it be this time?

- I don't know, I don't want to know, and I fucking hate anyone who knows.

- Vini, it won't help if you keep running away from your problems.

- Bite me! Have you turned into my psychologist?